Portsmouth 13th July - 13th September
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 173
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
As part of your…
Festival
Basingstoke
The UK's biggest food festival dedicated to Caribbean food returns bigger and better for another amazing family day of food, drink, cooking demonstrations, shopping and music.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Christmas
Basingstoke
CHRISTMAS 2026
Exclusive Christmas Party Nights
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT OAKLEY HALL HOTEL, BASINGSTOKE!
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Party Night at our charming countryside hotel. The room will be exclusively yours where you can…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Ahoy Coders! The sea is never truly silent. It creaks against hulls, crashes against harbour walls and hums with engines - and for centuries, the Royal Navy has relied on sound to navigate, communicate and understand what lies beneath the waves.…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the Easter school holidays, March 28 – April 12
10:00am-5:30pm
This Easter, fly on over to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an egg-citing new trail – free as part of your admission!
A giant Golden Eagle has lost her precious eggs while…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the May half term, Saturday May 23 – Monday June 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust over May half term as they celebrate their Secretary Bird's eighth 'hatchday'!
The Trust are throwing Angola a week-long birthday party,…
Carnival
Newport
Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Arts
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday August 22 – Sunday 23
10am-5:30pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a celebration of wildlife art! They'll be hosting artists exhibiting their work at the Hawk Conservancy Trust for this art-tastic weekend. Special guests include their…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17 and October 24
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
This autumn, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls'…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Audi on Saturday 18 July 2026.
All Audi owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds, for a superb day for enthusiasts and owners.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…
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